How to Fix Brake Discs on a Bike

Damaged bike brakes can cause injury when not repaired immediately.

The disc brake system on a bicycle is comprised of a disc that surrounds the rear wheel axel and has calipers wired to the handlebars. The brake lever on the handlebars controls the calipers, which occasionally will come out of alignment. This will cause a rubbing, scratching and irritating noise when braking and can damage the disc if ignored too long. You can easily readjust the calipers and repair the disc brakes.

Things You'll Need

• Allen wrench

Instructions

1. Brush away any loose dirt and debris from around the disc with your hands. Make sure there are no pieces in the holes of the disc.

2. Loosen the two nuts holding the caliper in place with an Allen wrench. The caliper is the part of the brakes that secures onto the disc.

3. Have a friend squeeze the brake lever and hold it while you are working. Tighten the bolts on the caliper with the wrench. Make sure the brake lever is held firmly the entire time you are tightening the bolts.

4. Release the brake lever and spin the wheel freely.

Tips & Warnings

• Listen to your brakes as you operate them so you can catch any problems as soon as they occur.

• If the disc of your brake is broken or bent you need to replace your entire brake assembly.

References

• You Tube; How to Adjust Your Disc Brake
• You Tube: Brake Caliper Adjustment Disc Brake Rubbing Fix